Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of July 17, 2023

Next week’s Kumi Now will address the issue of family reunification among Palestinians. Israel’s stance on recognizing the right of Palestinians to family unification has been a contentious matter, leading to various obstacles for Palestinian families seeking reunification. One significant challenge is the annexation of East Jerusalem, which has created a political border separating numerous Palestinian families in the West Bank. Israel’s imposition of a rigid family unification policy not only conflicts with the norms of Palestinian society but also establishes a separate system for Palestinians, contrasting with the comparatively easier process for Jewish citizens. These actions by Israel against family unification among Palestinians are driven by political considerations, which are inappropriate according to international law governing occupied territories.

•                     Heavenly Father, we pray for the Palestinian families who endure discrimination and separation. May Your love bring comfort to those affected by the separation and convict those responsible for inflicting oppression. May our hearts be filled with lamentation, compassion and determination to continue to work for justice and human rights. Lord, in Your mercy… hear our prayer.

On the 11th of July, the Soblaban family was forcibly displaced from their home in the Old City of Jerusalem after a prolonged legal battle with the Israeli courts. They had to watch as their home was taken over by Israeli settlers, an action deemed illegal under international law. Regrettably, their story is not an isolated incident in Jerusalem, and sadly, more such incidents are likely to occur in the near future.

•                     Lord, we pray that the cries for justice from the Soblaban family will be heard. May their tears one day be wiped away, replaced by joy. We beseech those with attentive ears to listen to the pleas of the oppressed. We also express gratitude to those who protested against the eviction and stood in solidarity with the Soblaban family. We continue to pray for an end to the Israeli military occupation and freedom for our Palestinian people. Lord, in Your mercy… hear our prayer.

Sabeel remains busy this month with various projects and new developments. In collaboration with Bethlehem University, Sabeel held a one day leadership training among scout groups in Ramallah and neighboring areas. Additionally, Sabeel has recently welcomed two new staff members, Evon Bajjali and Samuel Munayer, who will support the ongoing projects of Kumi Now and Sabeel initiatives.

•                     Lord, we seek Your wisdom and guidance for Sabeel as it undertakes its project with Bethlehem University. Dear God, may the young people who work with Sabeel grow into leaders within their own communities. May Your light, like seeds on fertile soil, nurture their development. We also pray for a smooth transition for Evon and Samuel at Sabeel, that they may become instruments of Your witness through their work in the different Sabeel projects. Lord, in Your mercy… hear our prayer.

In a lawsuit filed in June, B’nai Brith, a Jewish human rights group, is seeking $35,000 in damages from Rabbi David Mivasair, a long-time anti-Zionist activist in Canada. The claim made by B’nai Brith alleges that Rabbi Mivasair made numerous tweets, including labeling B’nai Brith as “racist” and promoting “anti-Palestinian hate.

•                     Lord, we pray for Rabbi David Mivasair, asking for strength and encouragement. May the Canadian judicial system recognize the truth and act accordingly. We pray that all falsehoods be exposed and consumed by Your light, while the resilient voices for justice in Canada remain steadfast and continue to grow. Let us remember that setting our minds on the Spirit brings life and peace. Lord, in Your mercy… hear our prayer.

The devastation caused by military and settler attacks on Jenin Refugee Camp still reverberates. The Israeli attacks on Jenin in the Occupied West Bank, which lasted approximately 48 hours from both the air and ground on July 3rd, are considered the most significant destruction in the region over the past 20 years. Once again, Palestinians from Jenin Refugee Camp have been displaced from their homes, exemplifying that the Nakba continues to this day. Furthermore, instances of damage to property and agricultural lands by Jewish settlers against Palestinians have intensified throughout the Occupied Territories this year.

•                     Lord, we pray for our Palestinian people who continue to suffer from Israel’s attacks, particularly in Jenin. May the steadfastness and love of the Palestinians who have endured these attacks serve as a testament to Your love and expose the evil of colonialism. O Christ, we implore You for restoration. Lord, in Your mercy… hear our prayer.

•                     We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Djibouti and Somalia. Lord, in Your mercy…hear our prayer.